While many grey nomads enjoy getting off the bitumen and doing a bit of responsible 4WDing, unfortunately not all track users show the same courtesy or common sense.
The owners of a number of 4WDs – most of which were displaying P-Plates – have been asked to come forward and explain their actions after their vehicles were found bogged and abandoned in a nature reserve near Townsville.
Queensland park rangers say they found broken snatch straps found at the scene at the Pinnacle Nature Reserve indicating a recovery effort hadn’t gone according to plan.
Senior Conservation Officer Craig Dunk said several vehicle owners had accessed areas within the reserve and caused considerable harm to the environment and damage to the firebreak on the boundary of the area.
“Unfortunately for some of those drivers, they have become bogged to the axles and could not get their vehicles out during the recent period of heavy rainfall,” Mr Dunk said. “When rangers attended the scene, they found a vehicle which had attempted to tow another vehicle out and also became bogged to the axles … the drivers and their passengers had abandoned their vehicles in the reserve and walked out.”
Rangers found further evidence of disturbance to soil and vegetation,
They also found vehicle bog holes where the vehicles has apparently driven off the approved tracks in the reserve.
“Not only is this unsafe, but the vehicles can tear up ground cover, damage or kill trees and other vegetation, spread weeds and damage the natural and cultural values of the area,” said Mr Dunk. “Tyre tracks, particularly where ground cover is removed on sloping ground can create long-lasting erosion issues that can cause serious environmental harm and cost a lot to repair.”
It is estimated that the repairs to the firebreak are likely to cost in excess of $50,000.
Mr Dunk said the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) does not tolerate people who cause harm to its protected area estate.
“Rangers will also not tolerate people using our protected areas as racetracks or places to drive recklessly,” he said. “The safety of QPWS staff and visitors to our protected area is our number one priority, and we are asking people in the Townsville region to tread lightly by staying on approved roads and tracks – or to find other places where you can lawfully enjoy four-wheel-driving.”
In the Pinnacles reserve, it is an offence to interfere with forest products, quarry material, earth or soil without an authority. Prohibited acts include cutting down trees, driving through the bush (not on an approved road or track) and collecting firewood.
The maximum penalty for interfering with Forest Products under section 54 of the Forestry Act 1959 is up to $143,750 for a first offence and up to $431,250 for any subsequent offences. Penalty Infringement Notices of $1,437.00 can also be issued.
The owners of the bogged vehicles have now been issued Show Cause letters.
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If they have had to leave their vehicle behind then you have rego so fine them, no sense in fines if their not implemented
Why not claim the vehicles and sell them off to make up the money
Hope they fine them the maximum penalty and confiscate vehicles. Only way they might learn.
Throw the book at them, just shows a total lack of respect. No doubt they will just get a smack on the hand from our revolving door judicial system.
Impound the cars and if they cannot come up with a reason for the damage to the bush that they have caused , then fine them .. Keep their cars until the fine is paid in full and then collect fees for storing the car.. And don’t forget the recovery fees..
Do you also prefer the gov’t impounding YOUR home and other assets on a whim ??
What ever is required to cover recovery, repair costs & fines
Nothing will happen to them as they will say they have had a terrible time growing up